To simplify the expression 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b, you can combine like terms by adding or subtracting coefficients that have the same variables raised to the same powers.
1. The terms in the expression are:
- 2a
- 3a^3b
- 4a^2b
2. Combining like terms:
- The coefficient of "a" in the expression is 2.
- The coefficient of "a^3b" is 3.
- The coefficient of "a^2b" is -4.
3. The simplified expression is obtained by adding the coefficients:
- 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b = 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b = 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b
Therefore, the equivalent form of 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b is 2a + 3a^3b - 4a^2b.